Indonesia is not only the largest island archipelago globally but home to a staggering 528 endemic bird species which ranks this country number one in the world on this metric. Bird-Photo-Tours Asia’ 9-day bird photography workshop takes in Sumatra the most westerly of the Greater Sunda Islands, offering the chance for close photographic encounters with some fabulous families of birds including Pheasants, Partridges, Pittas, Trogons, Kingfishers, Babblers, Wren Babblers, Flycatchers, Tailorbirds, Shortwings, Bulbuls, Flowerpeckers, Bush Warblers, Thrushes, Mynas, Frogmouths and Owls. In particular, some of our key objectives will be on enjoying close photographic encounters with a number of Sumatra's endemic birds including Salvadori's Pheasant, Bronze-tailed Peacock Pheasant, Schneider's Pitta, Sumatran Trogon. Sumatran Frogmouth and Sumatran Ground Cuckoo.
[For those wanting a longer Bird-Photo-Tour to the Greater Sundas, Bird-Photo-Tours Asia offers a 23-day bird photography workshop to the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali].
Pheasants / Frogmouths: Salvadori’s Pheasant / Bronze-tailed Peacock-Pheasant / Sumatran Frogmouth
Babblers / Thrushes: Rusty-breasted Wren-Babbler / Marbled Wren Babbler / Shiny Whistling Thrush / Orange-headed Thrush.
Pittas / Trogons: Schneider’s Pitta / Graceful Pitta / Sumatran Trogon / Red-headed Trogon.
Flycatchers: Pale Blue Flycatcher / Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher / Snowy-browed Flycatcher / Verditer Flycatcher.
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-5, Jambi Province, Sumatra Island [4N / 3D / 7S]. Domestic flight to Sumatra, then drive 8-hours, 200-km to Jambi Province. Photographic Targets: Schneider’s Pitta / Sumatran Cochoa / Salvadori’s Pheasant / Bronze-tailed Peacock-Pheasant / Rusty-breasted Wren-Babbler / Shiny Whistling Thrush / Sumatran Whistling Thrush / Salvadori’s Nightjar / Sumatran Frogmouth / Rajah Scops Owl.
Days 5-9, Jambi Province, Sumatra Island [4N / 3D / 5S]. Drive 2-hours, 50-km to the second location within Jambi Province. Photographic Targets: Sumatran Ground Cuckoo / Graceful Pitta / Sumatran Trogon / Red-headed Trogon / Banded Kingfisher / Marbled Wren Babbler / White-capped Munia / White-rumped Munia / Streaked Weaver / Sumatran Treepie / Sumatran Drongo / Spot-necked Bulbul / Sumatran Bulbul / Cream-striped Bulbul / Long-tailed Broadbill / Sumatran Green Pigeon.
Day 9, Departures. Domestic flight to Jakarta for international departures.
[Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S = Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
: West
